MICHAELSPAPPY
Legend
Posts: 26,788
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I Root For: CHI ST, CROWLEY, TEX WES
Location: Booneville, Arkansas
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Pappy's Predictions - #2
#2 - ULL
The Cajuns came within a hair’s breadth of missing this prediction, but I went back and looked at it closely, and I think they are the only logical choice.
WHAT I LIKE:
They return three starters, including Shawn Long, the most dominant big man in the conference with his double/double average. With him is Xavian Rimmer, a dead-eye shooter from the arc. Those two alone might keep them here, but there are other weapons as well. They shoot the ball well, rebound better than plus-3, and have a positive A/TO ratio. Plus, they have a strong recruiting class that includes Oklahoma State transfer Brian Williams.
WHAT I DON’T LIKE:
Elfrid Payton is gone to the first round of the NBA draft, and that has to hurt. Also gone is Bryant Mbamalu. In case you are counting, that is 31.5 points per game to be replaced right that. Even with Long, that is a tall task.
If the recruiting class had not been as strong as it was, I might have bumped them down a notch, but it looks like they have the firepower coming in to replace at least a good portion of what they lost in scoring. Whether they have enough to replace what Payton brought to the table remains to be seen.
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08-05-2014 03:59 PM |
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Fast Breakin' Cajun
Water Engineer
Posts: 1
Joined: Aug 2014
Reputation: 0
I Root For: LA Lafayette
Location:
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RE: Pappy's Predictions - #2
I’m new to the board and really feelin’ the discussion so I thought I would throw my two cents in on Louisiana. While Georgia State is the clear favorite (on paper) I think that Louisiana Lafayette should challenge.
Losing PG Payton was a huge blow and there is no replacing him, but the JUCO PG Jay Wright from Georgia has a chance to help along with returning PG Kasey Shepard back from injury last season! From what I have seen so far the recruits coming in are much bigger/stronger than last year’s team and can defend on the perimeter plus protect the rim. The JUCO PF Devonta Walker is an upgrade at the 4 spot. 6’7, 220 can run the floor and finish at the rim. He will make an immediate impact with his size alone. He and Shawn Long should be rebounding machines. Long is already a top-notch rebounder and now he has help on the glass. Walker can also score the basketball.
Brian Williams is an upgrade on the Wing at 6’5, 210 and Major D1 Experience. I got to watch the team some and he is a freaking beast on both sides of the ball. His numbers didn’t say much until I did my research. He played at OSU with Smart (NBA), Markel Brown (NBA), Nash (McD AA) and Phil Forte. He didn’t have much of an opportunity to score with only one basketball on the court but he was top 15 in the Big 12 in steals, an elite athlete and can rebound! The 3, 4 and 5 spots should be solid.
The Freshman are really talented as well which will give this team depth – I think this may make the difference towards the second half of SBC play and still compete in the Sunbelt Tournament in New Orleans. The Freshman Wing 6’4, 215 Johnathan Stove will have plenty of time to cut his teeth slowly and the same goes for the 6’9 Center Scott Plaisance from Country Day in New Orleans. Both of these kids can really play, came from State Championship High School programs and my guess is they would be starters if it weren’t for the two JUCO’s and Brian Williams transferring in. That will give them time to develop.
Xavier Rimmer is back at SG with Register backing him up. I left out a few returning players but I wanted to point out the potential of this year’s Team. I wouldn’t sleep on them!
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08-12-2014 11:46 AM |
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MICHAELSPAPPY
Legend
Posts: 26,788
Joined: May 2002
Reputation: 33
I Root For: CHI ST, CROWLEY, TEX WES
Location: Booneville, Arkansas
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RE: Pappy's Predictions - #2
Hey, thanks for the response. We don't want to let GSU run away with it.
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08-12-2014 12:03 PM |
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insideualr
Lord of the Trojans
Posts: 8,566
Joined: Jan 2007
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I Root For: UALR
Location: The Rock
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Pappy's Predictions - #2
Good stuff
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
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08-12-2014 09:58 PM |
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